Hello Local Guides,
Today I am excited to shine the She Leads spotlight on @avolu_theluo , also known online as Luna Theluo, a passionate creative soul from Kohima, Nagaland. Currently thriving as a freelance media professional, she focuses primarily on editorial work, where her attention to detail and storytelling instincts shine.
Avolu is also a proud plant mama, deeply inspired by minimalist living. Her spaces both physical and creative reflect calm, clarity, and intention. Whether she’s curating content or nurturing greenery, Luna leads with quiet strength, creativity, and grace.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
I don’t remember the exact date, but it all began during a trip to Ukhrul, Manipur in January 2020. I was there working on a documentary project as part of my media studies. While exploring the place, I started sharing reviews and photos, and that’s how I found myself becoming a Local Guide. Since then, it’s grown into a hobby—and even a form of leisure for me.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
I didn’t really have an idea about Local Guides Connect until I received an email about the decadal celebration of Google map which caught my attention. While its too early to comment on it, I suppose it will be to observe how the other top contributors stand out with their updates so as to find ways I can improvise my take to enrich the community.
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
My favourite type of contribution is putting the visibility of locations in the spotlight. It gives me a thrill knowing that someone else could benefit from the addition. I especially enjoy highlighting natural settings, particularly those with healthy greens and plants
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
It’s about creating a distinct voice for oneself, and it need not always be about being vocally expressive. I’m prone to noise anxiety, and understanding my own weaknesses helps me navigate through them. Since I tend to pen down my travel/photo stories, I often hear my circle say that writing is definitely one of my niches. I think it’s wonderful knowing that my readers pick up the tone and connect with the write-up as though I were verbally speaking. I consider that an accomplishment through words.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
As a media enthusiast, I naturally gravitated toward journalism, which became both a passion and a career path. It’s always a great conversation starter especially since journalism was only recently introduced as a formal subject of study in my state, making it somewhat uncharted territory.
My brief yet insightful stint with one of Nagaland’s leading newspaper houses gave me valuable perspective. It taught me how to present places and experiences in a more informed and balanced way. Whether I’m reviewing a location or sharing details about a menu, I try to highlight standout features while remaining clear and unbiased. If something is missing or doesn’t meet expectations, I mention it honestly always with the goal of helping, not stirring controversy.
In that way, I hope to contribute meaningfully, not just as a Local Guide but as someone who values clarity, responsibility, and thoughtful communication.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
I’m keen to have a digital archive so that in few years from now, I would perhaps want to exhibit them with then/now. I think that will be a fun way to reminiscent and spot the once old fav spot. Also I want to make use of this privilege by availing more exploration time since this google map do have the power to make the world more connected and relatable.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
I love to tell everyone that I grew up privileged because amongst the five kids, I had my father overlook my daily lessons when I’d just started my schooling. I’m infamous for being a very slow learner until I gradually improved by primary level. Around that time, dad had just started his career as a govt. employee and by the time my youngest was born, he was outstation. With his demanding schedule it was difficult for him to do same as he helped me and he remains a role model. We share reading interest too so it helps strengthen the bonding even more
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?*
I think lack of awareness about the positive aspects of your role as a contributor needs to be looked into. Perhaps Google maps team can initiate a public session once in 6 months and have a team overlook survey response on the UX feature which would make the map more appealing and easy to deal with. moreover certain percentage lacks the mental capacity to self initiate to try newer stuffs, so that can be an area of interest we can look into.
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
Yes, during the transition from my bachelor’s to post-grad, I struggled after not getting into my first-choice university (2021–early 2023). It was a tough period that affected my mental and physical health. What helped me through was staying engaged with internships and leaning on the support of my spiritual mentors. That combination slowly guided me toward healing and acceptance.
What barriers do you face to contribute in community as a women and how do you overcome them?
I have not really encountered cases which counts as a challenge.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
Sometimes, it’s not just consistency that defines our value. No matter the expertise we bring to the table, the reality is we’re all replaceable in one way or another. That’s why it’s so important to steer clear of the toxicity of competition, especially among women. We gain nothing by tearing each other down. Instead, we need to level up how we stand up for one another, support each other’s growth, and celebrate the space we all deserve to take up.
In a world that’s always changing, Avolu (Luna Theluo) shows us the power of being calm, honest, and supportive. Her journey is not just about doing well, but also about making space for others to grow. Whether through her work or her quiet strength, she reminds us that lifting each other up matters and that being true to yourself is a kind of leadership too.
